An
intermediate cartridge is a firearm
cartridge that is less powerful than typical full-power
battle rifle cartridges such as the United Kingdom
.303 British, Russian
7.62×54mmR, German
7.92×57mm Mauser or United States
.30-06 Springfield, but still have significantly longer effective range than
pistol cartridges. As their
recoil is significantly reduced compared to high power rifle cartridges,
fully automatic rifles firing intermediate cartridges are relatively easy to control. However, even though less powerful than a traditional rifle cartridge, the ballistics are still sufficient for an effective range of , which are the maximum typical engagement ranges in combat. This allowed for the development of the
assault rifle concept, which is a
selective fire weapon that is more compact and lighter than rifles firing full power cartridges. The first intermediate cartridge to see widespread service was the German
7.92×33mm Kurz used in the
StG 44. Other examples include the Soviet
7.62×39mm used in the
AK-47 and
AKM series, and the
.280 British round developed for the
EM-2. The
5.56×45mm NATO cartridge is also an intermediate cartridge.